Who We Are
Creating pathways. Expanding opportunity.
Merge Opportunities is a Long Beach-based nonprofit that helps system-impacted and underserved young adults, ages 18 to 28, prepare for work, gain real-world experience, connect with employers, and build sustainable careers across Los Angeles and Orange Counties.
We believe talent is everywhere. Our job is to build the access, preparation, and support that turn potential into opportunity.
Our Mission
Merge believes in empowering individuals in underserved communities to overcome workforce barriers through preparation and connections to career opportunities.
Our Vision
Our vision is to create thriving communities where every individual has equitable access to meaningful career opportunities, overcoming barriers and achieving economic empowerment through sustained employment and professional growth.
Our Values
Our values guide how we work with young adults, employers, partners, and one another. R.E.J.O.I.C.E. reflects the principles we bring to every relationship, decision, and opportunity.
We honor the dignity and unique journey of every individual we serve and work with.
We equip people with the tools, support, and confidence to move forward with purpose.
We believe in fairness, equity, and creating opportunities for those historically left behind.
We open doors and remove barriers so everyone has a chance to succeed.
We lead with honesty, transparency, and a commitment to doing what’s right.
We approach every interaction with empathy, kindness, and understanding.
We strive to go above and beyond in all we do, with heart, intention, and impact.
Opportunity Should Be Accessible
Talent and potential aren’t limited by circumstances. Every young adult deserves a real chance to learn, work, and grow.
Employers Are Part of
the Solution
Strong career pathways are built with employers, so we work with them to prepare young adults for real roles.
Preparation Matters
Skills, confidence, and the right support help people make the most of an opportunity.
The Job is Not the
Finish Line
Staying employed, growing, and moving forward matter as much as getting hired.
Why Merge Exists
Opportunity and talent do not always find each other.
Across Los Angeles and Orange Counties, young adults are looking for a way into the workforce, and employers are looking for people who are prepared and ready to grow. Too often, there’s a gap between the two.
Working alongside organizations that serve foster youth, justice-impacted young adults, and families, we saw that many were already supporting mentorship, housing, health, and reentry, but employment was often the missing link. Without a real chance to work and build a career, too many young adults still slipped through the cracks. Merge was created to close that gap.
We also learned that training alone isn’t enough. That’s why Merge brings the pieces together: career preparation, training, paid work experience, apprenticeships, employer connections, job placement, and support after the hire. Employers, community organizations, training partners, funders, and volunteers all help more young adults move from opportunity to employment and toward sustainable careers.
Building opportunity over time
Merge has grown by listening to what young adults and employers need,
building new partnerships, and expanding career pathways.
Merge is Born
Inspired by El Dicko and Barry Vince’s vision of a job machine, Merge is founded with Erin Earlywine as Executive Director to create career opportunities for underserved young adults.
Foundation for Opportunity
Motive Workforce becomes a foundational sponsor, providing office space, technology, recruiting expertise, and professional resources to support Merge’s mission.
Registered Apprenticeships (MAP)
Merge becomes a Department of Labor-recognized Registered Apprenticeship Program sponsor, creating career pathways in electrical, HVAC, plumbing, solar, and construction.
Community of Support
Merge becomes an official beneficiary of the Stars & Stripes Foundation’s annual Cabo event, expanding its network of supporters and funding opportunities.
an AI-Driven Future
Merge launches AI training and paid cohorts, equipping participants with practical technology skills for an evolving workforce.
Providing donated vehicles to help participants overcome transportation barriers to employment.
Merge developed a mobile workforce training hub designed to deliver hands-on skills training, career preparation, and employment resources directly into underserved communities.
Scaling Opportunity.
Expanding Impact
Merge looks to expand its reach, employer partnerships, apprenticeships, and technology training to bring career opportunities to more communities.
More than training. More than placement.
Prepare the candidate
Build skills
Gain experience
Connect with employers
Get hired
Support long-term success
Merge works from both sides of the employment equation. We help young adults become prepared for real opportunities while working directly with employers to understand what talent they need. And our support continues after the hire.
Connected across our community
Merge doesn’t do this work alone. Community and referral organizations across Los Angeles and Orange Counties connect young adults to training, work experience, and support, and they help make sure no one gets lost between programs, services, and employment. Many young adults first find Merge through these partners.
Impact you can measure
The impact keeps growing. A quick look at the progress Merge is making as more young adults move from opportunity to employment and sustainable careers.
young adults placed
served in 2025
placed in 2025
employment partners
Our leadership team
The Merge team works directly with young adults, employers, community partners, funders, volunteers, and training partners to turn opportunity into real career pathways.
Erin oversees strategy, operations, and partnerships to scale Merge’s impact. She aligns programs, fundraising, and employer engagement to open quality jobs for people with barriers to employment. Known for crisp execution and collaborative leadership, she focuses on measurable outcomes and community trust.
Erin Earlywine
Executive Director
Sally partners one-on-one with candidates to build confidence, sharpen skills, and step into careers with long-term growth. With experience in event management, sales support, and project leadership, she’s known for connecting people with opportunities and creating clear, actionable pathways to success. She brings a calm, encouraging presence and a knack for making next steps feel doable.
Sally Hill
Employment Support Specialist
Haben leads Merge’s Apprenticeship Program, creating paid pathways in high-demand trades like electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and solar. Her equity-focused, community-driven approach ensures participants gain technical skills, confidence, and industry connections. She builds programs that move people into lifelong careers while meeting employers’ real workforce needs.
Haben Berhe
Program Director
At Merge, David leads high-value partnerships and executes complex campaigns that expand our reach and resources. He turns vision into executable roadmaps—blending creativity, strategy, and relationship-building to open new funding and employer channels. His work aligns programs, marketing, and development so more job seekers move into quality, long-term roles.
David Ginsburg
Director of Development
Kevin earned a B.S. in Business Administration (Marketing) from CSUF—magna cum laude, Dean’s List all four years. At Merge, he designs multi-channel campaigns that connect job seekers to meaningful careers, strengthen employer partnerships, and spotlight participant success. He’s driven by community impact and brings a clear, data-informed approach to marketing.
Kevin Somo
Marketing Associate
Abilene helps individuals overcome barriers and pursue meaningful employment, drawing on years in education. At Merge, she guides clients through resumes, job readiness, interviews, and career exploration—building confidence and momentum toward long-term stability. She believes in lifelong learning and meets people where they are with empathy and practical tools.
Abilene Robles
Career Navigator
Board of Directors
Merge’s Board of Directors provides governance, oversight, strategic guidance, and support for the organization’s mission and long-term growth.
Barry Vince
President
Motive Workforce Solutions
Sarah Cameron
Vice President
Motive Workforce Solutions
Lamar C. Banks
Certified Residential Appraiser & Operations Leader
Scott Lewis
Operating Partner
Cypress-Ascendant
Molly Ahadpour
Global Head of Talent
Kantata
Bob Istwan
CEO
Motive Companies | Exec Advisor
Emma King
Chief People and Culture Officer
Envoy
Shehab Mohammad
President
NWF Advisory Group
Michael K. Nelson
President
Advanced Charging Technologies
André Wright
Chief Financial Officer
Verify, Inc.
Advisory Board
Professionals and community leaders who share expertise, connections, and guidance as Merge builds programs, partnerships, and career opportunities.
Youth Advisory Board
Young adults should have a voice in programs created for them. Our Youth Advisory Board gives direct input that helps shape our programs, communication, and decisions.
What’s happening at Merge
There is always something happening at Merge, from new programs and employer partnerships to community collaborations, events, funding, and organizational milestones.
Welcome to our new partner!
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Volunteering Event
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Our Employer Partner
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Be part of what comes next
There are many ways to be part of the work.
Whether you are building your own career, looking for talent, supporting opportunities for young adults, or sharing your time and experience, there is a place for you at Merge.